My mother-in-law is a fundmentalist Christian and refuses to be cremated. She doesn't have money to pay for a full burial and is relying on us to pay for her funeral. What should we do?
2007-02-25 10:48:33 · 18 answers · asked by Melissa G 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Is it condemned in the Bible? Where does it say that? I think she believes that she needs her bones for the coming of Jesus. i am not sure if It is a real biblical demand. She can't hold a conversation without it turning into a sermon, so I assume her demands to be buried are biblical.
2007-02-25 10:59:40 · update #1
I don't believe that the Bible tells us whether or not to be cremated. God is perfectly able to resurrect her when he returns. And trust me, your mom-n-law won't know the difference. I don't believe that you should go into debt to fulfill her wishes. If she is that adamant about it she will leave you the money to cover it. Until then don't argue with her about it. Agree with everything she may say and smile. When she passes let your husband make the decision and if he has any siblings. The only way to keep the peace is to stay out of it.
2007-02-25 11:18:10 · answer #1 · answered by paulamlank 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She has no need for her body anymore. Cremate her.
If she is in Heaven, she won't mind if you cremate her because it is a peaceful place and there is no need for resentment there.
If she is in Hell then even burying her won't change her predicament and so it really doesn't matter.
If there is no Heaven or Hell then this discussion is nonsense because it's not like she's going to fight back or anything or you will be punished for your actions.
You must treat her body in a way that is respectful. If you feel that cremation is respectful then go for it.
By the way... she sounds kind of like a ***** for sticking you with the bill. It may be "her" body (if one would be so bold as to make that assumption) but it is your money. If she were a true fundamentalist Christian she would be humble and not be pretentious about how you pay for the treatment of her unmoving body.
2007-02-25 18:55:39 · answer #2 · answered by dmlk2 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am a Christian and have a few thoughts on this matter. When I go, I am going to be cremated. I only need to worry about my soul. The body is just going to be turned into dust. The flesh isn't going to heaven. The Bible says that we will be transformed in the air into our Spiritual bodies. God has the power to resurrect us no matter where we are! The Bible says that the sea will give up her dead, and it is established that anything that is dead in the water is scavenged by predators! There isn't a body to resurrect. I vote for Cremation.
2007-02-25 19:05:15 · answer #3 · answered by michael m 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your mother-in-law probably feels the way my mum does. She believes that cremation is the same as a person going to hell because the body is burning.
If I were you, I would honour the mother-in-law's wishes. But, if it is going to be too much of a financial burden for you, do what you feel is best.
2007-02-25 19:50:08 · answer #4 · answered by ironchain15 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most Christians do not oppose cremation, however, the polite thing to do would be to honor her wishes.
No, it is not found or condemned in the Bible.
2007-02-25 18:56:53 · answer #5 · answered by jmb222 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do what you can afford. If she wants a burial, she should find a way to foot the bill. If her church demands burial and forbids cremation, tell them they will have to pay for it.
It is, IMHO, extremely selfish for anyone to expect someone else to pay for their funeral.
2007-02-25 18:55:57 · answer #6 · answered by Dawn G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When she dies you make the choice to respect her wishes or do what you have to do.
I'm a Christian and I would like to be cremated. There's nothing in the Bible prohibiting it.
2007-02-25 18:53:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oh..proly cause Jesus was buried.
I would hope my loved ones love me enough to bury me.
But if they could not afford it{they all have money} then cremation would be their answer. I am a believer and I don't want to burn up into aches and sit in someones home...yuk.
My sister says...
Tell them what they want to hear
THEN do what you want ANYWAY.
Don't traumatize her just do what you can upon her death.
2007-02-25 19:03:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Once she's dead, it won't matter, will it? You might want to consider not having her embalmed. I don't believe it's a legal requirement, and it could save some dollars.
You also might want to ask her what happens when a Christian accidentally dies in a fire? Are they not allowed to go to Heaven? What about Christians that are eaten by sharks? Are they not allowed to go to Heaven either?
It might help her see the lunacy of her thinking.
2007-02-25 18:56:04 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cremation=Outside the Bible/Condemned by the Bible=Evil=No-No
2007-02-25 18:52:20 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋